Rebecca Talley's Blog, page 16
October 23, 2012
Which Cover?
I need your help. Which cover do you like best? These are all rough mock-ups--I'm looking for the general idea you like best. Fonts can be changed easily. Please ignore the watermarks--I haven't purchased any of the images yet.
And if you don't like any of the covers, please say so. You can answer in the comment section. Thank you!! I really appreciate your help!
The story is a YA urban fantasy about a teenage girl who discovers she has enough Light to battle a nasty demon.
#1 Girl with Aura
#2 Light Burst
#3 Light in Palms
#4 Hands Holding Light
#5 None of the Above
And if you don't like any of the covers, please say so. You can answer in the comment section. Thank you!! I really appreciate your help!
The story is a YA urban fantasy about a teenage girl who discovers she has enough Light to battle a nasty demon.
#1 Girl with Aura
#2 Light Burst
#3 Light in Palms
#4 Hands Holding Light
#5 None of the Above
October 19, 2012
I'm Not Voting for Mitt Romney Because He's Mormon
That's right. I'm not voting for Mitt Romney because he's Mormon.
I've been going through an edit for my latest book and I think I should punctuate that sentence like this: I'm not voting for Mitt Romney, because he's Mormon. But that feels like it gives my intention a different meaning.
What I mean is that I'm not voting for him just because he's Mormon. I'm voting for him, because I think he is the best man for the job. Period.
He most closely represents my values and what I believe needs to be fixed in this economy. He's said his emphasis will be on jobs. He plans to create jobs through stimulating small business growth. I think that's key. I don't want more government jobs created, I want to see small businesses thrive and grow and hire more workers. I want to see the public sector shrink and the private sector grow.
I also think he understands that we can't spend out way out of debt and we have to rein in the out-of-control spending. I can't have something just because I want it. I have to be able to pay for it and if I write a check that has no money to back it, I go to jail. Why is our government exempt from this? Why do we keep borrowing money from China? At this rate, China will never have to invade us, they'll own us outright.
I don't like Obamacare. I don't think the government should be running, or even be involved in, our healthcare. In my experience, anything run by the government is inefficient and costly. Have you ever had to ask the IRS a question, or worse, deal with the IRS on an issue? It's a nightmare. And everyone has a different answer. The IRS is a perfect example of the government's inability to run an efficient organization. And we want to let it run our healthcare? Make decisions about our health? No thanks. Obamacare will run us into even more debt--how much is a trillion anyway?
Welfare and unemployment are other examples of inefficient and costly programs. I have an extended family member who took advantage of welfare for years. Perfectly healthy and able-bodied, but lived off welfare and spent the money on drugs. As did all of his friends. And unemployment? I know a young man who lost his job then collected unemployment so he could stay home and play video games. He took advantage of the system. these are not isolated cases, either.
I agree that people sometimes need help. But the way the government does it is wrong. If someone needs money to pay bills, let them work in exchange for that help. And make that help temporary, not a way of life. Give people a hand up, not a handout. I love the saying, "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime." We need to teach people to fish!
And, here's something that irks me. I see people accuse republicans of being greedy and having no compassion. That blanket statement is wrong. First of all, anyone can be greedy, and greed isn't limited to money. People can be just as greedy with their time. I think there's greed in both parties. I also believe there's compassion in both parties. Some of the most compassionate people I know, are also conservative republicans. People who consistently donate time and money to help others. People who throw together a dinner at a moment's notice or donate clothing to a needy family or share garden vegetable or who will just sit and spend time with someone who needs it.
Mitt Romney has been accused of being greedy, of only being interested in making money. And yet he's donated millions and millions of dollars to charity, not to mention the time he's spent over his lifetime serving others. I'd venture to say that Mitt Romney had donated more money than many, if not most, president and even celebrities (people whose monthly earning are more than most people's yearly earnings). I don't think he can be accused of being greedy or not being compassionate.
I also like that he can work with opposing viewpoints. He understands how to balance a budget, how to run a successful business (you can't spend your way out of debt), and he embraces the Constitution.
So, yes, I'm not voting for Mitt Romney because he's Mormon, I'm voting for him because he is the best man for the job.
I've been going through an edit for my latest book and I think I should punctuate that sentence like this: I'm not voting for Mitt Romney, because he's Mormon. But that feels like it gives my intention a different meaning.
What I mean is that I'm not voting for him just because he's Mormon. I'm voting for him, because I think he is the best man for the job. Period.
He most closely represents my values and what I believe needs to be fixed in this economy. He's said his emphasis will be on jobs. He plans to create jobs through stimulating small business growth. I think that's key. I don't want more government jobs created, I want to see small businesses thrive and grow and hire more workers. I want to see the public sector shrink and the private sector grow.
I also think he understands that we can't spend out way out of debt and we have to rein in the out-of-control spending. I can't have something just because I want it. I have to be able to pay for it and if I write a check that has no money to back it, I go to jail. Why is our government exempt from this? Why do we keep borrowing money from China? At this rate, China will never have to invade us, they'll own us outright.
I don't like Obamacare. I don't think the government should be running, or even be involved in, our healthcare. In my experience, anything run by the government is inefficient and costly. Have you ever had to ask the IRS a question, or worse, deal with the IRS on an issue? It's a nightmare. And everyone has a different answer. The IRS is a perfect example of the government's inability to run an efficient organization. And we want to let it run our healthcare? Make decisions about our health? No thanks. Obamacare will run us into even more debt--how much is a trillion anyway?
Welfare and unemployment are other examples of inefficient and costly programs. I have an extended family member who took advantage of welfare for years. Perfectly healthy and able-bodied, but lived off welfare and spent the money on drugs. As did all of his friends. And unemployment? I know a young man who lost his job then collected unemployment so he could stay home and play video games. He took advantage of the system. these are not isolated cases, either.
I agree that people sometimes need help. But the way the government does it is wrong. If someone needs money to pay bills, let them work in exchange for that help. And make that help temporary, not a way of life. Give people a hand up, not a handout. I love the saying, "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime." We need to teach people to fish!
And, here's something that irks me. I see people accuse republicans of being greedy and having no compassion. That blanket statement is wrong. First of all, anyone can be greedy, and greed isn't limited to money. People can be just as greedy with their time. I think there's greed in both parties. I also believe there's compassion in both parties. Some of the most compassionate people I know, are also conservative republicans. People who consistently donate time and money to help others. People who throw together a dinner at a moment's notice or donate clothing to a needy family or share garden vegetable or who will just sit and spend time with someone who needs it.
Mitt Romney has been accused of being greedy, of only being interested in making money. And yet he's donated millions and millions of dollars to charity, not to mention the time he's spent over his lifetime serving others. I'd venture to say that Mitt Romney had donated more money than many, if not most, president and even celebrities (people whose monthly earning are more than most people's yearly earnings). I don't think he can be accused of being greedy or not being compassionate.
I also like that he can work with opposing viewpoints. He understands how to balance a budget, how to run a successful business (you can't spend your way out of debt), and he embraces the Constitution.
So, yes, I'm not voting for Mitt Romney because he's Mormon, I'm voting for him because he is the best man for the job.
October 10, 2012
Back Cover Copy: Help!
I need some help. I've been working on a young adult urban fantasy, Aura, for what seems like for-ev-er. I think it's finally nearing full completion and I need to get the back cover copy ready. The back copy is meant to entice readers and make them want to read the book.
Here it is:
After moving from one city to the next all of her life, Crystal Scott finally feels like she belongs in Silver City, Colorado. She has the lead in the high school play, a best friend, and a gorgeous boyfriend. With her senior prom only a few days away, everything is perfect--or so she thinks.
Because nothing is as it seems.
Vincent Crandall, the human host for a demon with an insatiable thirst for power, learns that Crystal possesses an extraordinary aura with enough Light to stop him and his plan to rule Silver City, and eventually the world. Vincent sends in operatives from his demon army to destroy Crystal's aura on prom night and she is suddenly thrust into an on-going battle with demons. When Vincent kidnaps her parents, Crystal must learn to control the power within her—a power directly linked to her virtuous choices—before he kills her parents and harnesses her Light for himself.
What do you think? Would it make you want to read this book? Does it grab you? How can I improve it?
Feel free to shred it.
Thanks for your help and your support!
Here it is:
After moving from one city to the next all of her life, Crystal Scott finally feels like she belongs in Silver City, Colorado. She has the lead in the high school play, a best friend, and a gorgeous boyfriend. With her senior prom only a few days away, everything is perfect--or so she thinks.
Because nothing is as it seems.
Vincent Crandall, the human host for a demon with an insatiable thirst for power, learns that Crystal possesses an extraordinary aura with enough Light to stop him and his plan to rule Silver City, and eventually the world. Vincent sends in operatives from his demon army to destroy Crystal's aura on prom night and she is suddenly thrust into an on-going battle with demons. When Vincent kidnaps her parents, Crystal must learn to control the power within her—a power directly linked to her virtuous choices—before he kills her parents and harnesses her Light for himself.
What do you think? Would it make you want to read this book? Does it grab you? How can I improve it?
Feel free to shred it.
Thanks for your help and your support!
October 2, 2012
Our Economic Reality
The Obama administration has successfully closed down over 30 coal-fired power plants. One of the plants affected is in my area. As a result, some peeople have lost their jobs. We have a few power plants in the area.
My husband has worked for the coal mine that feeds these power plants for 23 years. It has been a wonderful job. Very secure with great benefits. In fact, our insurance provides for services that my son needs as a result of his Down syndrome. We have been very blessed and have not had to worry about insurance or medical care and we have been able to provide for our large family.
Unfortunately, if re-elected, President Obama has earmarked 120 more coal-fired power plants to shut down, including all of the plants in our area. That will effectively shut down the coal mining operation. These companies employ thousands of people in the area, not to mention all of the support businesses they support. Once the plants close, the mine will close and so will the vendors and suppliers that service these companies. A loss of that many jobs will have a drastic effect on a relatively small economy here. People will lose their homes. The housing market will crash. People will move which will mean less students at schools which will result in teachers losing their jobs, doctors and dentists losing patients, restaurants and stores losing customers. In a domino effect, businesses will be affected in a negative way.
And so will we. We have lived in this area for 23 years. We built our current home 18 years ago and have continued to invest in it and in our property. We have raised our kids here and we have been involved in the community. And it may all be at risk.
These power plants supply electricity to large cities, including Los Angeles. If these plants close, those in LA and other cities will pay higher prices for electricity as well as experience brown outs when there isn't enough power to go around. The fact is, right now we do not have enough resources to supply power without these coal-fired power plants.
While green power is a worthy goal, it is one that cannot be accomplished overnight. I'm not sure what the Obama administration plans to do to replace the power currently supplied by these power plants. Or what will happen to all of us affected by the closures. I don't think it's wise to close all of these plants, especially without a plan to replace the demand for power.
I'm all for cleaner energy. But we need to use wisdom in implementing it. We need to realize it takes time to create alternative power. And we need to consider the economic effects when an industry is targeted like this.
We all lose with President Obama's plan to close these plants. And that's our economic reality.
My husband has worked for the coal mine that feeds these power plants for 23 years. It has been a wonderful job. Very secure with great benefits. In fact, our insurance provides for services that my son needs as a result of his Down syndrome. We have been very blessed and have not had to worry about insurance or medical care and we have been able to provide for our large family.
Unfortunately, if re-elected, President Obama has earmarked 120 more coal-fired power plants to shut down, including all of the plants in our area. That will effectively shut down the coal mining operation. These companies employ thousands of people in the area, not to mention all of the support businesses they support. Once the plants close, the mine will close and so will the vendors and suppliers that service these companies. A loss of that many jobs will have a drastic effect on a relatively small economy here. People will lose their homes. The housing market will crash. People will move which will mean less students at schools which will result in teachers losing their jobs, doctors and dentists losing patients, restaurants and stores losing customers. In a domino effect, businesses will be affected in a negative way.
And so will we. We have lived in this area for 23 years. We built our current home 18 years ago and have continued to invest in it and in our property. We have raised our kids here and we have been involved in the community. And it may all be at risk.
These power plants supply electricity to large cities, including Los Angeles. If these plants close, those in LA and other cities will pay higher prices for electricity as well as experience brown outs when there isn't enough power to go around. The fact is, right now we do not have enough resources to supply power without these coal-fired power plants.
While green power is a worthy goal, it is one that cannot be accomplished overnight. I'm not sure what the Obama administration plans to do to replace the power currently supplied by these power plants. Or what will happen to all of us affected by the closures. I don't think it's wise to close all of these plants, especially without a plan to replace the demand for power.
I'm all for cleaner energy. But we need to use wisdom in implementing it. We need to realize it takes time to create alternative power. And we need to consider the economic effects when an industry is targeted like this.
We all lose with President Obama's plan to close these plants. And that's our economic reality.
September 27, 2012
Why I'm Mormon
One morning, when I was four-years-old, I awoke earlier than usual and said goodbye to my daddy when he left for work. It was six days before Christmas and that was the last time I ever saw him. He died in a car accident that night. A few years later, I went to bed and woke up the next morning to find that my mother had passed away during the night. My sister and I went to live with my mother's parents who raised us to adulthood..
As a young child, I was left with some very deep questions. "Where were my parents?" "Would I ever see them again?" "What happens when we die?"
Before my mother's death, she'd investigated many religions looking for her own answers including the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and Unity Church. While at Unity Church one Sunday, I asked about Jesus. I wanted to know more about him and who he was. I was told he was everywhere. "In my hair," I asked.
"Oh, yes," the lady said.
"What about in my fingernail?"
"Yes, he's there too."
Well, I looked at my fingernails and clearly, Jesus was not in them.. Her answer made no sense to me. Though I'd had very little religious training at this point, I did pray. And when I prayed at night in my room, I envisioned a man with a white robe with bare feet, listening to me. In fact, when I concluded my prayers, I quickly opened my eyes each time because I was sure I'd catch Jesus in the room with me. I was certain that Jesus and God, were separate people, real people with bodies. Like I said, I had no real religious teachings. My parents were not religious at all. We'd never gone to church before my father's death that I can remember. Yet, I was certain that the answers to my questions from the lady at the Unity Church didn't jive with what I knew in my heart.
Thus began my search. I wanted to know where my deceased parents were. I knew their bodies were in the cemetery that overlooks the ocean in Santa Barbara, but I didn't think that was it. I felt like they were actually somewhere else. Somewhere that I couldn't see.
One day, we drove past a large white building and I asked my grandmother about the building. She told me it was a Mormon Church and that she was a Mormon. I'd been living with her for some time and we hadn't ever been to church so I asked her if we could go.
The next Sunday, my sister, my grandma, and I all attended church at that big white building.
And you know what? When I asked the hard questions about my parents, these people had answers. Real answers. Answers that felt right in my little-girl heart. Answers that made sense to me.
My parents' mortal bodies are in that cemetery, but their spirits are not. Spirits do not die. Of this, I am sure. Many experiences in my life have proven this. There have been times when I knew my mother was so close, I could almost reach out and touch her. Times when others who have died have been near enough for me to feel their presence. Life does not end with death. And if it does not end with death, it cannot begin with birth. We are eternal beings.
For every hard question I've posed over the years, I can find answers. The teachings and beliefs, based on the gospel of Jesus Christ, taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make sense to me. They resonate with me. And, most importantly, I've prayed and received my own answers from God.
I have a firm testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. That he once lived on this earth with a mortal body and took upon himself my sins and suffered for them before he was crucified on a cross. I know that he rose that third day and was resurrected. And because he was, so will my parents. Just as Jesus saw his disciples and those he loved after he was resurrected, I will see my parents and those I've loved and lost over the years. Because Jesus then returned to live with His Father, I may also return to live with Him.
I am Mormon because in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have found the answers. I have found peace and joy in living the gospel. My life has had its share of trials, but through them all, I have had comfort and peace from my Heavenly Father who knows me, loves me, and cares what happens to me.
That's why I am Mormon.
As a young child, I was left with some very deep questions. "Where were my parents?" "Would I ever see them again?" "What happens when we die?"
Before my mother's death, she'd investigated many religions looking for her own answers including the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and Unity Church. While at Unity Church one Sunday, I asked about Jesus. I wanted to know more about him and who he was. I was told he was everywhere. "In my hair," I asked.
"Oh, yes," the lady said.
"What about in my fingernail?"
"Yes, he's there too."
Well, I looked at my fingernails and clearly, Jesus was not in them.. Her answer made no sense to me. Though I'd had very little religious training at this point, I did pray. And when I prayed at night in my room, I envisioned a man with a white robe with bare feet, listening to me. In fact, when I concluded my prayers, I quickly opened my eyes each time because I was sure I'd catch Jesus in the room with me. I was certain that Jesus and God, were separate people, real people with bodies. Like I said, I had no real religious teachings. My parents were not religious at all. We'd never gone to church before my father's death that I can remember. Yet, I was certain that the answers to my questions from the lady at the Unity Church didn't jive with what I knew in my heart.
Thus began my search. I wanted to know where my deceased parents were. I knew their bodies were in the cemetery that overlooks the ocean in Santa Barbara, but I didn't think that was it. I felt like they were actually somewhere else. Somewhere that I couldn't see.
One day, we drove past a large white building and I asked my grandmother about the building. She told me it was a Mormon Church and that she was a Mormon. I'd been living with her for some time and we hadn't ever been to church so I asked her if we could go.
The next Sunday, my sister, my grandma, and I all attended church at that big white building.
And you know what? When I asked the hard questions about my parents, these people had answers. Real answers. Answers that felt right in my little-girl heart. Answers that made sense to me.
My parents' mortal bodies are in that cemetery, but their spirits are not. Spirits do not die. Of this, I am sure. Many experiences in my life have proven this. There have been times when I knew my mother was so close, I could almost reach out and touch her. Times when others who have died have been near enough for me to feel their presence. Life does not end with death. And if it does not end with death, it cannot begin with birth. We are eternal beings.
For every hard question I've posed over the years, I can find answers. The teachings and beliefs, based on the gospel of Jesus Christ, taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make sense to me. They resonate with me. And, most importantly, I've prayed and received my own answers from God.
I have a firm testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. That he once lived on this earth with a mortal body and took upon himself my sins and suffered for them before he was crucified on a cross. I know that he rose that third day and was resurrected. And because he was, so will my parents. Just as Jesus saw his disciples and those he loved after he was resurrected, I will see my parents and those I've loved and lost over the years. Because Jesus then returned to live with His Father, I may also return to live with Him.
I am Mormon because in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have found the answers. I have found peace and joy in living the gospel. My life has had its share of trials, but through them all, I have had comfort and peace from my Heavenly Father who knows me, loves me, and cares what happens to me.
That's why I am Mormon.
September 18, 2012
The Kindling by Braden Bell
From the back cover:Loud shrieks sliced the air, followed by the smell of burning cloth. Conner looked over in time to see Geoffrey jumping up and down, yelling and shrieking. Smoke poured from the seat of his shorts while blue and yellow sparks snap-crackle-and-popped all around the heater.
All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Connor’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!
***
Homework? Of course. Crushes? Sure. But who knew seventh grade included superpowers?
LOVE this book! Great story filled with plenty of humor, realistic characters, and a great battle scene. Bell has an incredible imagination that he's used to create an unforgettable story about three friends who discover they have powers. Powers they will need to use to defeat some pretty nasty bad guys.
The story is entertaining from start to finish and Bell's beautiful writing style makes for a smooth read. I highly recommend this book to anyone, kids and adults. It's funny, poignant, clean, imaginative. I really enjoyed the characters, all of them. They each have distinctive voices. I love the relationships between them as well.
And I love the message that good truimphs over evil. It's subtly and naturally woven into the story.
You can watch book trailers here: http://youtu.be/2_tokouvPUM, http://youtu.be/JznT4wGkfUc, http://youtu.be/cDNxWvZua7Q
You can learn more about the author at www.bradenbell.com.
You can purchase The Kindling at Amazon.
September 14, 2012
Comments Hurt
My 13-year-old daughter loves theater. She also loves basketball. She's played basketball through the years, but opted to do theater last year. During the summer she decided she wanted to play basketball this year. Her best friends also play basketball and they hoped to make the same team. We moms had already talked about sharing rides and doing the basketball season together. Last week, she went to open gym at our local elementary school to practice. She hadn't played for a while and wanted to get in some practice. Another mom very kindly offered to feed her dinner and take her to open gym with her daughter. When my daughter got home I asked her how open gym was. She said a father that was there with his daughter and his daughter both told her she should stick with theater and forget about basketball. The result? She decided she won't be playing basketball this year. Why do parents say things like this? To a 13-year-old. Even if it's true, keep your mouth shut. Comments like this only serve to hurt a kid's self-confidence. Being 13 is hard enough. Listening to rude comments from peers is hard enough. But from an adult? She was already self-conscious about playing and this comment shredded her. She's actually a pretty good player. She's tall and was often the high scorer when she played two years ago. And she loves to play. But now, even though I've told her that father was wrong and she shouldn't listen to him, it doesn't matter. She's not going to play. 
September 12, 2012
A Day in the Life
When my son was born and then diagnosed with Down syndrome I was worried he'd be a blob. So wrong. So, so wrong. Last week he decided it would be fun to shove a toy in the drain of the bathroom sink. And then turn the water on. Yep, water overflowed the sink and there was about an inch of water on the floor. We ended up removing the entire drain to take the toy out and replacing it with a new drain. While we were at our speech therapy appointment, the therapist left her phone on the table. My son quickly got into her text messaging and sent texts to her friends. I'd meant to warn her not to ever leave her phone within his grasp because he's an electronics whiz. (His favorite is to call 911, so I was relieved he hadn't done that). Yesterday, I took some leftovers out to our dog. When I came back to the house, my son had locked me out of our glass door (and all the other doors were locked). He stood there, grinning and laughing. I asked him to open the door. No way. Begged him. Not a chance. Bribed him with a treat. No dice. Told him he was in trouble. He simply laughed and left me fuming on the front porch. Thankfully, one of my other kids was inside and finally let me in after about ten minutes of standing there. Last night, I had to go to town to take my older son to repair his braces. We stopped at Walmart to get a few things. I called home. Who picked up the phone? My youngest son. He proceeded to "talk" to me. I asked him to take the phone to someone else. He said no. I begged him. Not a chance. Bribed him with a treat. No dice. Told him he was in trouble. Again, he laughed and kept going on and on in gibberish. I finally hung up. A blob? Not even close. Just a day in the life with my son.
September 7, 2012
First Football Game: Cheerleading
Tonight is our high school's first football game and my daughter's first game as a cheerleader. She's very excited. She's wanted to be a cheerleader since she was a little girl. Some years ago, she made outfits for her sister and her and made up cheers when one of my sons was in soccer and they'd cheer at all of his games. She even initiated a cheerleading club at her elementary school. I'm thrilled she's now a cheerleader because she's always wanted to do it. She started practices during the summer. She was sure to ask the coach what days they'd practice when school started so I could make her orthodontist appointment and it wouldn't conflict with practice. The coach said Wednesdays and Thursdays, although that wasn't set in stone. Since our orthodontist lives in Mexico for one week each month, and he's very busy, we have to schedule out appointments 6-8 weeks in advance. I scheduled her appointment (and my older son's) on a Monday as well as a speech therapy evaluation for my youngest son (I like to schedule as much as I can on the same day so I don't have to go to town as often since it's 30 minutes away). What happened? The coach decided to change practices to Mondays and Thursdays. A huge conflict with the orthodontist appointment. My daughter let the coach know she'd miss that practice and why. The coach seemed fine with it. Yesterday, my daughter found out she'll be benched for a quarter tonight because she missed that practice. Color me not happy. I don't think it's fair that she asked in advance about the practice schedule, I scheduled her appointment so it wouldn't conflict, and then the coach changed the practice days and now my daughter will be benched. I'm still very excited about the game, well, not the game exactly, but watching my daughter do her cheers. She wore her uniform to school today and looked so cute. I can't wait to see her tonight.
September 5, 2012
Book Trailer: Altercation by Tamara Heiner
Great trailer! This makes me want to buy this book. 
